| Abstract: | Private Higher Education provision which started in 1996 has come a long way in the very
short period of its existence in Ethiopia. The policy of Education and Training subsequent
education sector development programs, particularly the third ESDP, and the Higher
Education capacity building strategies have highlighted, though sometimes in a passing,
the importance of the private sector in Higher Education provision. It has accounted for
about 24.8% of the 2004/5 overall (degree and diploma levels) enrolment and about 9.3%
of the degree level enrolments of the national Higher Education system. It is currently
providing access to a large number of the youth who could not join the public institutions,
offering wide opportunities in terms of choice of programs, delivery modes (regular,
evening, distance, etc.) and places of study.
The Private Higher Education Institutions have faced several challenges. The most critical
among these, not necessarily characterizing all institutions, are declining student
enrolment, particularly in some disciplines and institutions, limited capacity to fulfill
requisite facilities and infrastructure, inability to expand mainly due to land problems,
poor commitments to quality upkeep and enhancement, problems of meeting the
expectations and/or satisfactions of the government and the society, and poor unity and
utilization of their association to further objectives and influence stakeholders, including
government.
However, there are sizeable number of institutions that have overcome these challenges
through different mechanisms and won the trust of the students, parents, government and
other stakeholders. There are also few that have failed to address the challenges of mainly
playing their role of social responsibility and accountability.
The coming years would require both government and private providers to focus on
meeting social demands and expectations in the higher education sector. The government
is expected to provide more transparent and facilitating policies and strategies, as well as
leveling the playing ground as it has done for other investment sectors in the last few
years. On the other hand, private institutions are expected to focus on quality and
relevance of curricula and courses, focus on producing responsible, knowledgeable and
skilled citizens, and contribute to equitable access to Higher Education. |
